India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season too.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
